Minneapolis shooting: Gunman fired 116 rounds, driven by hate, police say

New Delhi,UPDATED: Aug 29, 2025 03:15 IST

Minneapolis police said the gunman who opened fire inside a Catholic Church during a children’s Mass fired 116 rifle rounds through stained-glass windows, killing two students and wounding at least 18 others.

Police Chief Brian O’Hara identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of Annunciation Catholic School.

“It is very clear that this shooter had the intention to terrorise those innocent children,” O’Hara said.

The rampage happened during the first week of classes, when students filled the pews for Mass. Authorities said Westman was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and died by suicide.

Investigators said Westman had a long history of disturbing writings and videos.

Acting US Attorney Joe Thompson said the shooter “expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable. The only group Westman did not hate was mass murderers and shooters.”

Police recovered hundreds of pieces of evidence from the church and three residences, but no additional firearms or clear motive for the attack.

O’Hara called the tragedy senseless. “No evidence will ever be able to make sense of such an unthinkable tragedy,” he said.

VICTIMS AND AFTERMATH

Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed. At least 15 other children, ages 6 to 15, were wounded, along with three parishioners in their 80s. Most are expected to survive, though one child remains in critical condition.

Westman’s writings revealed deep depression and a long-standing obsession with violence. In one note he wrote: “I know this is wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself.”

On a YouTube channel, investigators found videos showing weapons, ammunition, and references to other mass shooters. A suicide note confessed to years of planning.

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With inputs from Associated Press